Value Modelling in Aerospace Sub-System Design: Linking Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment

Paper in proceeding, 2015

The paper presents a prototype of a value model where engineering design teams can play with cost and value data in a semi-structured way. In particular, the value model serves to facilitate communication of multidimensional information during preliminary design analysis and to visualize such information in a unique environment. The model first automatically generates, from the output of a computer-based simulation, a quantitative assessment of manufacturer costs and customer cost savings of a set on different configurations of the same design concept. Second, it couples to the results a qualitative assessment of concept risks and product and process commonalities. Third, it allows an assessment of the concept impact on the customers' ilities (maintainability, survivability, scalability, flexibility). The model has been developed in collaboration with an aerospace sub-system manufacturer and it ultimately aims to enable the maturation of the knowledge about cost and value aspects among the design team since the preliminary stages of design.